Alumni Spotlight: Timothy Hunt

Former BMIHMS nominee for best professional success worldwide, Mr. Timothy Hunt is beginning this year with a big change and a promotion. The Park Hyatt Sydney’s Guest Services Manager for the past two years Timothy owns a career with Hyatt which has stemmed from his graduation back in 2009 when Tim took on the role as Butler for the same property. With great pride BMIHMS announce Tim’s latest appointment as Front Office Manager at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

Anxious to know how Tim was settling in, with his new position, and a new cultural environment BMIHMS asked Tim to spread some light and what it is to work for a brand trans globally.

How are you settling in to your new role and new property? The role itself present as a new series of challenges, opportunities to influence for the better and sets a new tone for my personal growth. . . . I must say my learning curve has spiked dramatically. The property, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong certainly delivers on its name- it’s Grand, and always offers moments of much more! Walking into the lobby you are greeted with a symmetrical 1920s circular staircase cascading down into this enormous marble lined foyer.

Being able to transfer across oceans through your workplace is a focal point of a hospitality career. Can you discuss some similarities that Hyatt brings across all their properties? This is an interesting question… as each brand promises different experiences. Of course, the design, service levels and physical offerings of the hotels are always of a luxury high end offering, but it’s really the people that make all the difference.

One thing for sure that is always on offer across Hyatt hotels. This brand genuinely cares for all of its people (staff and guests). Since the beginning of my Park Hyatt Journey to my arrival in Hong Kong (and onward), each and every person has extended warmth and care, always ensuring, you as a human being, feel comfortable, secure and have a real sense of belonging

. . . really, what more can a person ask for?

You have specialised in 5-star service in your career, what are you learning in your new position that you haven’t experienced in Australian properties in regard to service? It’s a different feeling all together. I find that at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong the service is always on point, as Park Hyatt Sydney was, but the way in which you ‘care’ for people while serving is the biggest difference.

The Australia culture of ‘service’ is rather relaxed and instinctively friendly… whereas Hong Kong ‘care’ in service is shown by preempting needs and acting upon without being asked (where in Australia, this is often overlooked by the friendly nature of service). It’s hard to explain so early in the piece.

Your new property is beautiful and very luxurious, can you describe for me The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, where you now work. As I mentioned prior… it’s Grand, it’s breathtaking and exciting to work in! Our harbour front location offers impeccable views of the famous Victoria Harbour. The hotel offers 542 newly renovated guestrooms and nine different premium restaurants and bars, covering all cuisines and styles. The selection like the interiors are impressive. It’s stunning!

I feel in many ways out of my comfort zone but in others right at home here.

Thanks Timothy, keep taking on the world, and BMIHMS will continue to follow your pursuits.